Temperature regulation and prostaglandin E1 fever in scorpions.

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Abstract
Scorpions Buthus occitanus and Androctonus australis were placed in a temperature gradient where they could select their thermopreferendum. Intrathoracic temperature was recorded continuously. Both species selected 24.8 .+-. 1.0.degree. C as their preferred body temperature. No nycthemeral cycle of preference was observed in the experimental conditions. Saline injection did not modify this thermopreferendum. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) produced a fever. Duration and magnitude of fevers were related to PGE1 doses in a bell-shaped curve. The longest and highest fevers were obtained with 4 .mu.g .cntdot. g-1 PGE1. There is an ability to produce fever, and thus indirectly there is a set point in body temperature regulation in arthropods, among the oldest known terrestrial animals.

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